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Kung Fu Dance Related

For body movement art that doesn’t involve technology, I had to go back to just after my high school years. I took up martial arts as a sport and discipline from ages 15 to 20. The following is an example called Tun Da, which my instructor called Shaolin number 6. I saw a student perform this form with the same skill in person during a black belt test.

The forms in kung fu encapsulate narrative and philosophy that has been handed down and modified for generations. The style is formalized form where you are instructed to visualize an opponent and interpret meaning. A simple raising of the arm could be a block, an introduction to a grab, or a strike. The aim of the performer is to go through the motions of the form as fluidly, quickly, and with the most defined postures possible.

My experience in learning kung fu and forms caused me to see and understand body movement in terms of punches, kicks, stance and motive. The effect of doing on perception is interesting. I think of it as the body and mind as building a vocabulary of moments. This gives me a better perception and memory of fighting and other body movements. It also helped me tuck and roll during a bike accident last month.